Score of Mizzou Football Game: What Really Happened at the Gator Bowl

So, you’re looking for the score of Mizzou football game from their big postseason appearance? If you’re a Tigers fan, the final number probably stung a bit. Missouri wrapped up their 2025 season with a trip to Jacksonville for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, and the result was a defensive grind that left a lot of folks in Columbia scratching their heads.

The final score was Virginia 13, Missouri 7.

Honestly, it wasn’t the high-flying offensive showcase people expected from a Drinkwitz-led team. One touchdown. That’s all the Tigers could muster across four quarters of football at EverBank Stadium on December 27, 2025. It brought Mizzou's final record for the year to 8-5. While an eight-win season in the SEC is nothing to scoff at, the way this one ended felt like a missed opportunity to jump into the top 20 rankings to start 2026.

Breaking Down the Gator Bowl Defensive Struggle

The game started with so much promise. Missouri took the opening kickoff and marched right down the field. Jamal Roberts punched it in for a 5-yard touchdown, and at that moment, it looked like the Tigers might run away with it. Ahmad Hardy, who has been an absolute beast all year, ripped off a 43-yard run on that drive.

Hardy actually made history in this game. He finished with 89 yards on 15 carries, which was enough to break Cody Schrader’s single-season rushing record. He ended the 2025 campaign with 1,649 yards.

🔗 Read more: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect

But after that opening drive? The well went bone-dry.

Virginia’s defense basically set up a tent in the backfield. Mizzou’s offense struggled with rhythm, and the time of possession was completely lopsided. The Cavaliers held the ball for over 38 minutes. That’s nearly two-thirds of the game. It’s hard to score when you don't have the ball, but even when the Tigers did have it, they couldn't find the end zone again.

The Matt Zollers Era Begins with a Twist

One of the biggest storylines heading into the game was Matt Zollers. He became the first true freshman in Mizzou history to start a bowl game at quarterback. Talk about pressure. He had some bright spots, completing 12 of 22 passes for 101 yards, but the Virginia secondary made life difficult for the young signal-caller.

The ending was particularly chaotic. With less than two minutes left, Mizzou had one last chance. Zollers was moving the sticks and hit Donovan Olugbode for a 24-yard gain that put the Tigers at the Virginia 21-yard line.

💡 You might also like: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback

Then, disaster struck.

On a third-down play, Zollers threw the ball away to avoid a sack, but his head hit the turf hard. Because of the new player safety protocols, the officials had to send him off the field. Mizzou had to bring in a backup for the final snap, and the desperation heave didn't connect. It was a heart-wrenching way for a comeback attempt to fizzle out.

Why the Score of Mizzou Football Game Felt So Low

If you look at the stats, it’s a miracle the score was even that close. Virginia ran 79 plays to Missouri’s 55. The Cavaliers outgained the Tigers 308 to 260. While Mizzou’s defense, led by linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez and his 15 tackles, kept them in the hunt, the offense just couldn't stay on the field.

A few critical mistakes really tipped the scales:

📖 Related: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk

• Oliver Robbins missed a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter.
• A muffed punt by Virginia gave Mizzou the ball at the 25-yard line, but the Tigers gained only one yard and came away with zero points.
• An interception by Emmanuel Karnley off a tipped Zollers pass led directly to a Virginia field goal.

It was one of those games where the margin for error was razor-thin, and Mizzou just happened to be on the wrong side of the blade.

Looking Toward the 2026 Season

Even though the Gator Bowl loss left a sour taste, there’s a lot of optimism in Columbia. The Tigers are entering a bit of a "new era." Kirby Moore moved on from the Offensive Coordinator role, and Chip Lindsey was brought in to take the reins of the offense.

The fact that Zollers got that starting experience as a freshman is huge. Plus, with a record-breaking running back like Ahmad Hardy returning, the ground game should remain a nightmare for SEC defensive coordinators. The transfer portal is going to be busy this spring as the Tigers look to bolster the offensive line to give Zollers more than 2.5 seconds to breathe in the pocket.

Actionable Steps for Mizzou Fans

If you're looking to keep up with the team as they head into spring practices and the 2026 recruitment cycle, here is what you should do:

1. Watch the Transfer Portal: Follow local beat writers for updates on who Mizzou is targeting to replace departing seniors, especially on the defensive line.
2. Review the 2026 Schedule: The SEC is only getting tougher, and checking the home vs. away split for the upcoming fall will help you plan those trips to Faurot Field.
3. Check the Spring Game Date: Usually held in April, the Black and Gold game will be the first real look at how Chip Lindsey's new offensive schemes are clicking with Matt Zollers.

The 13-7 loss to Virginia wasn't the ending anyone wanted, but the foundation in Columbia looks a lot sturdier than it did a few years ago.